This is a close look at the rare Impatiens grandis.  This exotic species comes from southern India and Sri Lanka, where it is becoming endangered.  Its large, orchid-like blooms have bold splashes of peppermint red on pure-white petals.  Even without blooms this is a first-rate foliage plant.  The oversized leaves are unusually thick and robust, and the entire plant can grow over 4 feet tall!  The plant is uncommon in cultivation and rarely seen for sale.

Impatiens grandis is an evergreen, perennial species with a tree-like shape and rigid stems.  The plant has a husky appearance, with little resemblance to typical Impatiens.  The 2-inch long flowers appear at the tops of the tall stems, which puts them at the right height for viewing!  The blooms appear in waves periodically throughout the year, especially in winter.  Their ribbon-like petals have pinkish-red markings that almost look sprayed on!  The curved spur in back is thick and well-proportioned, giving a nice finishing touch to the blooms.  This is a true species, not a cultivated hybrid.

Impatiens grandis comes from highland forests, where the climate is relatively mild all year.  Preferred temperatures are between 55 and 80 degrees F (13-27°C).  It can tolerate warmer temperatures if nights are cool, but it probably won't bloom in those conditions.  Consistently hot temperatures with warm nights, such as in Florida, might stress it.  It can go deciduous in temperatures below 45° F (7°C).  Protect the plant from all frost.  It does wonderfully indoors in a pot.  It enjoys filtered sunlight, or morning sun + bright shade.  Protect it from strong sun exposure.  Like most Impatiens, it likes moist, well-draining soil and regular feeding.  Over about 50% humidity is recommended.  In the right conditions, it's an easy plant that is rarely troubled by pests.

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Germinating the seeds